Are GFCI protected receptacles permitted to be installed within a tub or shower space?

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protected receptacles are not permitted to be installed within a tub or shower space due to safety concerns. This restriction is based on the potential for water exposure, which can lead to dangerous electrical hazards. The main purpose of GFCI devices is to protect against electric shock in areas where moisture is present, but this does not extend to allowing receptacles to be located in high-risk wet locations such as directly within a tub or shower area.

National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines dictate that receptacles must be at least a certain distance from the edge of a bathtub or shower stall. This distance ensures that the risk of accidental contact with water is minimized, thereby enhancing safety for individuals using these spaces. Thus, citing safety standards and risk assessments is crucial in understanding why such installations are prohibited.